running with fresh food for hungry folks.
By Heather Bell
RADFORD – A new project spearheaded by Pazar’s owner Samantha Newcome is feeding hungry people
in Radford.
Newcome recently installed a Community Fridge outside of her restaurant on West Main St. in Radford.
The fridge contains fresh and frozen food free for people in need, no questions asked. It is stocked by
Newcome and by donors from the community. An adjacent dry storage area offers non-perishable food as
well. Newcome said she has been in a bind for food at times in her life and wanted to do something to
help.
“I was once in those same shoes – times I need help and only a few resources available,” she said recently.
“Other cities and towns have one and I felt that Radford deserved one as well. I want to help fill the
bellies of those in need, to provide supplemental help to others until their next pay check or SNAP/WIC
benefits come in.”
Newcome says she has seen the community benefit already.
“First day is was completely emptied out,” she said. “There is a huge need in our area. Everyone has to
eat, no matter what your financial situation is.”
Newcome got approval for the Community Fridge from the Virginia Department of Health, and food
safety is paramount. Therefore, food donations are definitely encouraged but must follow certain
guidelines. Newcome describes them as follows:
These items are FREE to anyone. Food or monetary donations are more than welcomed, but it comes with
many rules:
1. Only prepackaged items (frozen dinners, yogurt, milk, cheese, juice boxes, etc.) that are already made
and sealed and in date. NO FOODS COOKED AT HOME can be accepted!
2. Fresh fruits and vegetables are accepted, but need to be individually wrapped if skin can be eaten.
Examples: plums, grapes, apples, potatoes, etc. *If this can’t be done, you are more than welcome to bring
to Newcome inside the restaurant and she will wrap them.
Newcome says “all I ask in return” is:
1. Be respectful and take only what is needed.
2. Make sure door is completely closed after opening it, so products don’t go to waste.
3. Please clean up after yourself. If something breaks or spills, please clean it up or come inside the
restaurant and let me know and I can clean it immediately. We all make mistakes, it’s no big deal.
4. If you bring bags of food to donate, please take any trash back with you and do not leave items on the
ground.
5. Be respectful and do not destroy or damage any property, as cameras are located all around.
Pazar’s is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is located at 703 West Main St. The
restaurant serves homestyle breakfast, lunch and desserts.
